How To Start Content Writing: A Step-by-Step Guide

 

How To Start Content Writing: A Step-by-Step Guide

Do you want to learn how to start content writing?

Writing content is a dream work for many people. Some write newspaper content or articles and others become successful authors like Jeffrey Archer.

But, no matter how much efforts you put in, some writers are better than others. What makes these writers good at their work is the difference of how they research and function.

In this digital era, where there are numerous content websites online, only writing what is on your mind is not enough. Pairing your exceptional talent with the right way of processing it is what makes your writing remarkably good.

Sujan Patel, beautifully explains the importance of research and ideation in his article. He believes that 4 out of 5 content pieces fail because there is a lack of ideation. Further, the lack of research leads to an unsteady depiction of the central idea in content.

 

Writing content has never been a cakewalk, there are some things that successful writers do differently. Let’s step into their shoes and see how to start content writing.

But, before that let us know what is content writing?
Content writing is drafting content to communicate a message to the target audience. In simple terms when you look for available content writer jobs, you will have to research and write blogs, web content, scripts for videos and podcasts, text posts, etc.

Thus, by now you are clear with who is a content writer? Now, let’s dive in to know how to become a content writer?

How to Start Content Writing?

Whether you are writing blog posts, website articles, web content, or books, the following tips will help you organize your work for enhanced output.

Learn content writing with a stepwise procedure!  

1. Content Writing involves a lot of research

To keep new content ideas flowing, you need to enter the research zone often. Research shouldn’t be directly followed by writing and planning. In fact, take a moment. As soon as you find the idea you are going to write about, research more. But now, specifically on this topic.

Make Evernote or any other notepad you best mate and keep writing key pointers about the idea. You will always have reference pages to look up to but the thoughts of how you are going to proceed with a content piece need to be written down.  

 

Bottom of Form

2. Skills of a content writer

Getting into someone else’s shoes and willing to write in an exactly similar style is not how you start content writing.

During your work period, you will come across a lot of writers who may have a unique style. You can take inspiration by their style but you don’t have to copy this style. Since every person is different and has a unique personality, they should have a varied writing style.

Take Neil Patel for example. He has a unique style of writing and he can make even complex concepts seem easier.  

With that being said, the writing style is the identity of a writer. Many people know Neil Patel not because of what he writes but how he writes it. Every writer needs that uniqueness in their work to learn how to start content writing online.

3. Stick To The Point

Every piece of content is written for one single topic. Stick to this point and avoid wandering to different topics. Of course, it is okay to discuss a little about related things but make sure that you don’t mix different ideas in one content piece. It will break the user’s flow of reading.

For instance, if you are talking about how to start content writing for your business, then you can give some hint of sharing it on Facebook or Instagram for enhanced reach. But, that is all. Don’t dive into Instagram marketing.

Many authors believe that when you start editing your content piece, one round of edits should be dedicated to eliminating points that don’t align with the topic. You should remove every sentence and word that doesn’t go with the topic.

4. The creative perspective of content writing

If you are writing a content piece, which is already on the internet, what difference are you making? This is not how you start content writing online.

Every content has three major factors involved: Topic, Idea, and View. While topic and idea are already decided because before starting the content, as you know what you are going to write on. But, the view matters.

Giving a new makeover to your content piece is what makes your article or blog different from others. That unique angle is necessary to gain a reliable audience.

5. A content writer should create a Killer Title And First Paragraph

Forming a killer headline is another major part of how to start content writing.

Think of it this way:

You are randomly scrolling your Facebook profile. You come across an article that reads Introduction on How to Start Content Writing. Then, you come across another article that reads 7 Amazing Tips To Start Content Writing Now or 6 Unique Tips For Making A Career In Content Writing.

Both the articles may contain the same type of knowledge and content but the latter seems more interesting.

Similarly, your users will decide whether they want to read the full content or not just by the first para.  

Hence, both headline, as well as the first paragraph, should be the best part of your content.

6. A content writer shouldn’t Exaggerate and Keep It Simple

A lot of things and important aspects of how to start content writing are hidden under this point. Let’s see what are these:

·         Most of the people may not be able to understand your complex sentence structure and vocabulary. When you write, keep your audience in mind and keep the content simple in terms of words. Even a child should be able to understand what you are trying to convey.

·         When you are delivering news on a topic, don’t stretch the truth and give it a new definition. Let the truth remain that way. Changing and exaggerating the truth can make you seem as unreliable.

·         If you are writing for beginners, start your content by explaining everything. Just like you would explain to a layman. But, if people who already know about the topic are involved, keep it more informational.

·         Write plainly. This means keep paragraphs short, sentences neat, and words readable.

7.  A detailed proofreading of the content

Not editing your content nicely can have a negative impact on your audience. No one is going to read content which has errors.

Follow this approach:

·         The first round of edit should be to eliminate and change sentences that don’t match the flow of the content. Also, remove the sentences not in-line with the topic.

·         The second round of edit should focus on removing spelling, grammatical, and punctuation errors.

·         The third round is for reading. Finally, look at your draft to ensure everything seems good.

Hopefully, this video must have given you insights on how to write content along with some content writing tips for beginners.

Additional Points to Remember

If your talent of writing is paired with the correct approach, there’s nothing that can stop you from becoming a successful writer. Here are some additional tips on how to start content writing.

1. How does a content writer select a niche?

No doubt, many writers are multitaskers and they can write on anything from healthcare to marketing. But, when you are just starting out, picking a specific area of interest is best.

If you know digital marketing through and through, that means you already have half-knowledge of how to start content writing in that area. It is easier to start this way and then expand your arena.

2. What are the types of content writing?

Imagine you get a great opportunity but you can’t take it because you don’t know how to write in that style. Every writing style is a bit different from other but a writer needs to know about all these styles.

Of course, many writers don’t do a certain type of work willingly because they lack interest in that area. But, knowing different styles is necessary. It is important to know how to write an Ad copy, blog post, article, website copy, guest post, newspaper copy, or e-book.

 

Bottom of Form

Content Writing Tips for Beginners

If you have never tried writing anything before but you are willing to know how to write content or how to become a freelance writer, here are some specific content writing tips for beginners.

1. Headline Is Important

As already discussed, the headline of the content should be given utmost importance. Beginners should specifically take care of how they frame the heading. The easiest way is to check related articles and see how the title is curated.

2. Deliver Value through Your Content

The content should be valuable. Your audience should be able to take away something from the content piece. Become a storyteller and make everything as interesting as possible.

But, you have to keep your audience in mind. If you are writing for youngsters, then write more engaging, catchy content. For business professionals and CEOs, the content should be formal and to the point.

3. A Conclusion to Remember

Conclude with a powerful note. Let the end-thought linger in the minds of your users. The key is to cover what you have explained in the article but still leave an impression on your reader.

Learn content writing and become a successful content writer.

Ponder Upon the Feedback

Not many people will tell you to take feedback seriously. However, there is no better way to improve your writing than paying attention to the critics to begin your journey of knowing how to start content writing online.

Sometimes, people exaggerate just to bring you down. But, when your client gives negative feedback, check what you are doing wrong. Take help from fellow writers to know how to write content and get to the core of the issue.